My Valentine

I've never been comfortable with public displays of affection or grand romantic gestures. For years, Valentine's Day itself was a subject of some scorn for me, a holiday manufactured by shadowy figures trying to sell chocolate, diamonds and greeting cards.

But when I first really looked into Sylvia's big googly eyes, I couldn't remain cynical about love, because I was finally feeling it. Every day takes on new meaning thanks to her. No matter what life throws at me, I always feel better when she's around.

This concludes this year's public declaration of love. We now return to our scheduled program of book and movie reviews, political notes, pop culture analysis and silly nonsense about comic books and Star Trek.

But first, some more cute photos of Sylvia.

Sylvia couldn't resist pulling on Mike's mohawk.